NEW YORK (PIX11) – A New Yorker living on Long Island has tested positive for the Chikungunya virus, making it the first transmission of the illness on U.S. soil in six years, according to state health officials.

The person, from Nassau County, began feeling symptoms in August after traveling outside of the region. They did not travel outside of the U.S., according to health officials.

Mosquitoes, which spread the disease, have tested positive in both New York City and Long Island. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself from getting infected:

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of the Chikungunya virus include fever, joint pain, joint swelling, headache, muscle pain, nausea or rash, according to the Department of Health. Symptoms start to kick in between three to seve

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